I'm Leaving for Africa!

Greetings friends and family. I have created this blog to keep you up to date while I am on the Africa Mercy Ship that is docked on the west coast of Liberia. My friend Chris suggested I keep a blog and I think it is a great idea because I am not very computer savvy and it will help me tremendously to give out this web address to keep people up to date instead of emailing everyone. If I had to email all of you, your likely not to hear from me much. 

I feel so blessed to be going on this trip. I am volunteering on the Africa Mercy as a ward nurse for 8 weeks. At first I thought that was a long time. Now after researching it a bit I wish I was going for longer.

I feel God has prepared me for his trip by providing 2 other opportunities as stepping stones. The first was in 2005 when I went to Sri Lanka post Tsunami with an organization called Word Made Flesh. We worked with Habitat for Humanity. It was my first experience with a third world country, squatty potties, and flying roaches. But this was one of my favorite trips in my entire life thanks to all that served with me. Our house was full of laughter 24-7. I was blessed by the testimonies and the Christian walk of those in the household in which I lived for just over 2 weeks. 

 In 2007 I went to Kenya with my cousin Heidi's bible study group. Again it was a mission trip, however I don't feel like I did a third of what was done for me. The Kenyan people were so hospitable it puts us American's to shame. On two different occasions our shoes got full of mud and they washed them for us! Would we even think to do this for visitors? I was amazed at the joy, and the love for God these people had despite their circumstances. They taught me so much. I guess where I am going with this, is that from my experience going on a mission trip, especially a short one ends up seeming to be more of a blessing to me than me being a blessing to others. I have had so many people say things like "you're so good", "you're an angel", etc. I almost feel bad because although I want this to be about those I'm helping , I know it is going to be about me learning more nursing skills, meeting staff from all over the world, and being touched by people/patients we are serving.

I feel blessed beyond belief to be able to go on this ship. I know God used Sri Lanka and Kenya as stepping stones to prepare me.

At first when I added the expense of taking off of work for 2 months with the expense of going on the ship I was a little concerned. But I knew that God would provide if He wanted me to go. I decided not to ask for financial support this time because I had already done that in 2005. But God surprised me with many donations from family, friends, and coworkers. I have been brought to tears with people's generosity and thoughtfulness. I also got several thoughtful gifts, such as: things to keep me occupied on my very long flights, snacks (no worries chocolate candy will be smuggled in if need be), crayons for the kids over there, laundry detergent, etc. All a surprise. Thank You So Much!! I feel so loved and blessed and I haven't even left yet. But that is my Jesus...Through my faults, my sins, my insecurities, he makes my paths straight, leads me in the way I should go and blesses me even though I don't deserve it.